In this special edition of ‘Getting to know’, we hear from Mrs Bonni Davies as she shares some of her reflections on her life journey so far, and her amazing nineteen years working with the BUW…
You hail from Pembrokeshire, and grew up going to Eglwys y Bedyddwyr Bethlehem in Newport. Can you tell us a little about your upbringing?
I’m a girl from the land of ‘wȇs, wȇs’, and was brought up from a young age in the seaside town of Newport, where my parents were faithful members at Eglwys y Bedyddwyr Bethlehem. I am extremely thankful that I was raised in a faith-filled household.
I consider myself one of the children of “EJ”, that is the Rev. E J Williams who became a minister in Bethlehem when I was 6 years old, and was there until I was 15. This was a key and important period in my life. Something or other was held in the Bethlehem vestry every night of the week (except Saturdays) and throughout all of this, I was brought up to the sound of the gospel.
This upbringing was key for me, as I felt God speaking to me through His hymns at 13 years old, which then led to my decision to go through the waters of baptism to follow Jesus. From that day forward, whatever would happen to me, I was sure that He was a constant companion in every season, and was someone that I could turn to any hour of any day.
It was so wonderful to then meet Vivian my husband, who was himself a faithful member in Caersalem Chapel. I joined him in that church, where three of our children were baptised, as well as five of our grandchildren.
How did you come to work for the Union?
I was working in the bank when we married, but I was very fortunate, having married a farmer, to be able to stay home to raise the children. Only after the children grew older, and the son had left school to farm, that I decided to go back to work – in the bank for a short period of time, and then for nine years for a local paper.
I continued to work for the paper when I heard in the Annual Union Meetings in 2007 that a job as Personal Assistant to the General Secretary of the BUW was going. I knew straight away that this was the ‘job of my dreams’. My holidays were being taken almost completely to go to Association, Glyn Nest, Union, Senana meetings, and even the Editor thought that the job was made for me! I applied for the job and was fortunate enough to secure it, and then started in Ilston House on the 1st of November 2007.
Is there anything that stands out to you as you think back over your time working for the Baptist Union?
It has been an incredibly special honour and privilege to work for the Union for a period of 19 years. I especially appreciate that I, by virtue of my role, have had such opportunities to meet so many ministers, and faithful workers within the Union.
I am also especially grateful too that I have been able to work happily alongside all of the Baptist Union staff, in a lovely, caring and kind environment. We will be friends for life. Most specially, I am thankful for the huge privilege that I have had of working with two General Secretaries of the Baptist Union – the Rev. Peter Thomas and the Rev. Judith Morris – a privilege that I will never forget.
Over a period of 19 years, I cannot begin to count the blessings that I have received while doing this work. I have received blessings as abundant as the dew, and I thank God and His son, who died for us, for each one of them.
Diolch o galon / Thank you Bonni!
Below is a message of thanks to Bonni that was published in The Messenger: Winter Edition here, from BUW President (Welsh-language Wing) Rob Nicholls:
On the occasion of your retirement as Personal Assistant to the General Secretary of the Baptist
Union of Wales, we would like to express our sincere thanks and deep appreciation as a Union of your faithful work over so many years, having started in the role in 2007. You have shown commitment and a unique care in everything you have done, contributing extensively to the life and work of the Union. Your orderliness and thorough work, and your readiness to help others has been a blessing to everyone who has had the privilege of working with you.
We pray every blessing and joy for you over this next season. Your contribution will be remembered for a long time, and your example and faithful service will continue to inspire. Thank you so much for your untiring work, and your commitment over many years. With all our best wishes,
Rob Nicholls, President of the Welsh-language
Wing of the BUW.